CASA Calendar

Presented by Strengthening Families VC and Kids and Families Together, a Division of Pathpoint
Instructor: Dr. Sharon Elmensdorp
This training covers the concept of challenging behavior, explaining what it is and how it may appear differently across developmental stages—from tantrums in early childhood to defiance or withdrawal in school-age children. Participants learn about common underlying causes of challenging behavior, such as unmet needs, communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, or emotional stress. The training also focuses on how to identify triggers and patterns that influence behavior, including environmental factors, transitions, and social dynamics. Strategies for preventing and responding to challenging behaviors are emphasized, with an emphasis on supportive, positive approaches like predictable routines, clear expectations, and offering choices. Finally, the training outlines approaches to help children build essential coping, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills to better manage their emotions and behaviors over time.
Meet the Trainer: Sharon Elmensdorp, Ph.D., BCBA-D is a behavioral and developmental specialist. Sharon has a doctorate in education with an emphasis in special education, disabilities, and risk studies and a specialty in autism from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Masters in psychology from Pepperdine University. She is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst-Doctoral Level (BCBA-D), with a focus on naturalistic behavioral intervention for young children with autism, developmental delays, and general behavioral needs. She has worked in center-, home-, and school-based settings. She is currently also teaching courses in applied behavior analysis as adjunct faculty for the University of Massachusetts Global.

CE Hours: 1.5